US Bridges

US 11 over Dowdle Branch

Fair

Tuscaloosa County, Alabama · 0.6 MI S Bibb CO Line · Structure no. 002819

Built
1945
80 years old, rebuilt 2024
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,550
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 11 over Dowdle Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 11 over Dowdle Branch in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. It was built in 1945 and reconstructed in 2024, so it is 80 years old, older than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 5,550 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,272 by 2044. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.1 mi (34 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 11
CrossesDowdle Branch
Location0.6 MI S Bibb CO Line
RouteU.S. Route 11
CountyTuscaloosa County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.1833, -87.20757
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating59.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,550 (2016)
Projected traffic7,272 by 2044
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.1 mi (34 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$463,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 11 over Dowdle Branch built?

It was built in 1945, making it 80 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2024.

What condition is US 11 over Dowdle Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in June 2024.

How much traffic does US 11 over Dowdle Branch carry?

About 5,550 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US 11 over Dowdle Branch?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.5 m).

Who owns US 11 over Dowdle Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.